Gov. Abbott speaks at Georgetown convention, reaffirms installing floating barriers along Rio Grande

GEORGETOWN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott delivered an address to Texas' Republican County chairs in Georgetown on Friday.

In his speech, Abbott spoke about school choice and fentanyl, and did not shy away from his recent decisions at the border.

 "I will do whatever I have to do to defend our state from the invasion of the Mexican drug cartels and others who have tried to come into our country illegally, and I will protect our sovereignty," said Abbott.

He touted his recent decision to build a floating border wall in the Rio Grande as part of Operation Lone Star.

"It's called operation hold the line," said Abbott. "They are holding the line and ensuring that nobody enters the state of Texas illegally."

The Department of Justice called his one-thousand-foot-long barrier "unlawful construction."

Still, Abbott doubled down.

"I challenge the federal government to show that they have spent that much money in the state of Texas on the border under Joe Biden as president," said Abbott.

RELATED: Protesters gather at Governor's Mansion calling for change to border policy

The DOJ announced it is suing Texas after Gov. Abbott refused to remove the buoys, accusing him of violating federal law.

"He gave me a lawsuit, and by God, Joe Biden, we will see you in court," said Abbott.

Outside the Governor's Mansion in downtown Austin Friday was a protest against Gov. Abbott's new border policy.